The Nigerian Navy has committed to deploying advanced maritime domain awareness infrastructure and increasing aerial surveillance with newly acquired air assets. Additionally, it plans to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and enhance intelligence gathering for better situational awareness and more efficient maritime security operations.
As part of these efforts, the Navy is set to deploy armed fighter drones to intensify the battle against illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region. These advanced drones are designed to reach remote areas where illicit activities thrive, areas that have proven challenging for conventional drones to access.
This announcement was made by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, during the flag-off ceremony of ‘Operation Delta Sanity 2’ at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Ogalla explained that “Operation Delta Sanity 2” builds upon the initial operation launched in January 2024, which was aimed at curbing economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
“In January 2024, the Nigerian Navy launched a Special Maritime Security Operation in the Niger Delta, codenamed ‘Operation Delta Sanity’. The operation was designed to combat oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities, ensuring a secure maritime domain that supports increased economic activities, in line with the President’s agenda for national economic prosperity and poverty eradication,” Ogalla said.
He highlighted the operation’s successes, including the arrest of numerous vessels and suspects involved in oil theft, as well as the deactivation of several illegal refining sites. These efforts have resulted in significant improvements in legitimate maritime activities and a notable increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production, with several oil companies reporting a 100% terminal factor.
“The operation also strengthened partnerships with law enforcement, oil regulating agencies, and other stakeholders, all working under the framework of the Harmonised Standing Operating Procedure for Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons,” Ogalla said.
Ogalla stressed the need for a whole-of-society approach to combat maritime crimes, especially oil theft, to achieve a sustained increase in oil production in Nigeria.
He further revealed plans to enhance the operation for greater efficiency. “Despite the successes recorded, the Nigerian Navy plans to rejig *Operation Delta Sanity* to achieve even better results,” Ogalla announced.
This enhancement will include the improved deployment of Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, increased aerial surveillance with new air assets, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for better intelligence gathering. Armed drones, expected to join the Navy soon, will play a key role in reaching difficult-to-access areas and deactivating illegal operations.
“We need armed attack drones to reach and deactivate illegal operations in areas that are otherwise hard to penetrate,” Ogalla explained. The operation will also integrate non-kinetic measures and further collaboration with stakeholders in line with enacted Standard Operating Procedures.
The goal, he stated, is to ensure sustained crude oil production exceeding two million barrels per day, in alignment with the President’s directives.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, expressed concern over attacks on the Trans Niger Pipeline, which transports crude to the Bonny Export Terminal in Rivers State. He commended the Navy and other security agencies for their efforts in increasing oil production.
“When I became minister, we were producing barely a million barrels per day. Today, we are producing 1.8 million barrels per day, and our target is to reach three million barrels by 2025,” Lokpobiri said.
He acknowledged the challenges presented by the Trans-Niger Pipeline, a hotspot for crude oil theft and vandalism, but expressed optimism that the new operation would address these issues and lead to increased oil production and revenue for the government.
“This will enable President Bola Tinubu’s administration to finance critical infrastructure projects across the country. It is fundamental to our economic growth,” Lokpobiri noted, emphasising the importance of inter-agency collaboration in sustaining the fight against oil theft.
He also expressed confidence that the target of three million barrels per day was achievable, with the President’s full support for the Navy’s efforts.
Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, outlined the operation’s achievements since its inception.
“Since the start of ‘Operation Delta Sanity’, we have arrested 215 suspects, deactivated 468 illegal refinery sites, seized 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil, and 7 million litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO),” Akinwande reported.
Additionally, the operation has led to the deactivation of 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks, along with the arrest of 26 vessels.
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